The University prides itself on the healthy and sustainable activity within its catering outlets.

Campus Catering

Sustainability in our catering outlets is embedded in the work we do and the actions we take. We work to ensure that our outlets are as sustainable as possible and offer environmental conscious food options.

We have begun to trial plastic-free catering outlets to reduce our single-use plastic consumption. We have a keep cup scheme that provides you with a discount on your hot drink when you use your own cup. If you need to use a single-use coffee cup, you can dispose of this in our specially designed coffee cup recycling pods.

Where possible, our produce is locally sourced. Additionally, all of our cleaning products are from a UK supplier – they are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and plant-based.

We segregate food waste in the 'back of house' areas which is collected for energy recovery. We ensure cooking oil is free of hydrogenated oils so it can be collected and be recycled.

Previously we have achieved recognition for such initiatives including a 3-star Sustainable Restaurant Association award and a Green Gown Award.

The University has been supporting local suppliers and is a member of the ShefFood partnership which aims to bring locally sourced food which is sustainable and affordable to our campus and surrounding community. 

ShefFood is a cross-sector partnership of organisations across the city formed of local public agencies, businesses, individuals, academic and community organisations committed to working together to create a more sustainable food system for Sheffield.

We use the TUCO catering frameworks to ensure both local and ethical sourcing of our produce. In addition, we arrange individual supplier agreements, ensuring local sourcing, limiting trans fat, free range egg products, seasonal produce and no air freighted goods.

We link with Sheffield organic growers to provide a local source to offer veg boxes and use LEAF accredited micro herbs. All our fish, caught and farmed, is Marine Stewardship Council accredited or on the fish to eat list.

More information on our sourcing can be found in our Healthy and Sustainable Food Policy (August 2024) (PDF, 47.1KB)